Duc In Altum

Merry Christmas!

2012-01-01T22:55:00.002-06:00

Bright Beautiful Soul!

2011-11-26T19:32:00.002-06:00

Video of the Rite of Baptism

Sibling Reunion

2011-11-25T18:04:00.001-06:00

Kiddos meet Aidan

Bonus Videos!

2011-11-25T16:53:00.001-06:00

Going Outside!

Spinning!

More Catechism!

2011-11-25T15:34:00.002-06:00

Henry's really been doing a great job memorizing his catechism lessons. Here are video quizzes from the last set he completed.

Lesson 8

Lesson 9

Lesson 10

Lesson 11

Worth the Wait!

2011-11-24T22:21:00.002-06:00

Karl and I are so happy to introduce Aidan Ignatius.
Born right at 42 weeks, Aidan was 8 lbs 11 oz and 21"

Peas in a pod

2011-11-14T09:25:00.006-06:00

I inflated the pool in wishful thinking (and boredom :D ) but so far, nothin' doin. 41 weeks and 2 days

Revelations of a five-year-old

2011-11-07T17:20:00.002-06:00

"Whoa whoa whoa, back up the truck here. Now I know why it's Christmas, because baby Jesus was wrapped up like a present!"

The Countdown Begins!

2011-10-27T16:13:00.005-05:00

One week until my "DUE" date!

I am feeling good. Big! but good. Though I haven't shut the car door on my belly yet and I usually do at least once each pregnancy, hee hee

Any guesses on when he will make his appearance?!?!?

A Night on the Town

2011-10-26T10:39:00.003-05:00

Have I mentioned lately how wonderful Chick Fil A is 'round here?!?! This week they hosted a daddy-daughter date night, complete with live harp player and Hummer limo rides!

Karl and the girls got all dolled up, and had a really great time. Henry and I headed off to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate his half-birthday with a round of tokens followed by another favorite--Jason's Deli.

Getting ready for baby

2011-10-18T16:31:00.003-05:00

Less than three weeks from my 'due date' and I'm feeling more and more prepared for baby boy's arrival. Especially after completing this carseat recover last night. I followed this wonderful tutorial and I really like how it turned out. I reused some of the old pieces in the new, so those may look familiar to those who remember babies Henry and Clare in the old one.

All of his clothes are washed and folded. We're *slowly* whittling down the list of names, and Henry is getting impatient! Silly boy, if you only knew how your mama feels!

They're getting so big!

2011-10-12T15:17:00.005-05:00

Mother-Son RoundUp

2011-10-12T12:50:00.004-05:00

Click here for album

Mother-Son roundup

Baltimore Catechism Book 1

2011-09-26T10:15:00.008-05:00

1885 Baltimore Catechism Ebook

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3 (oops! the end was recorded over, boo! )

Lesson 4

Lesson 5

Lesson 6

Lesson 7

Karls Austin Adventure

2011-09-05T09:52:00.001-05:00

Karls Austin Adventure, a set on Flickr.

Make sure to read Karl's photo descriptions, he cracks me up!

Scavenger hunt!

2011-09-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

Four Seasons, a set on Flickr.

Here's a little tour of Austin....

hee hee hee

2011-08-16T10:39:00.002-05:00

As Henry and I reviewed the catechism question: why can't we see God? , Clare pipes up "He is pure spirit, and cannot be seen with boggly eyes" :D

Spoonerisms

2011-07-22T14:52:00.002-05:00

As we reviewed the names of the four Gospel writers with increasing speed, Clare called out "Matthew, Moose, and John!"

oh BOY!

2011-07-15T17:18:00.002-05:00

Be still my heart!

2011-07-11T16:16:00.001-05:00

Easter Week in review

2011-04-29T16:16:00.001-05:00

Apr 29, 2011

Happy Birthday!

2011-04-21T06:52:00.002-05:00

Henry Xavier Charba!
Happy Birthday dear five year old boy!

Big Sister

2011-03-27T23:13:00.001-05:00

Look who's a BIG SISTER!

Life of late

2011-03-27T22:38:00.000-05:00

Blessed Birthday!

2011-03-27T22:23:00.004-05:00

Poor sweet Abigail awoke on her first birthday with a stomach bug that had plagued the house all week.

She was not herself for most of the day, but the sickness was short-lived and we were able to celebrate with her the next day.

womankind

2011-02-10T08:45:00.002-06:00

As Henry and I forged a sword (paper towel tube) with "Thor's Hammer" (Trio blocks,) Abigail tried to get in on the action and grabbed away the new sword.

"No Abigail! This is the strongest sword for mankind, I'm man-kind, you're just...girl-ugly."

Oh that boy!

Oh My!

2011-01-03T15:19:00.003-06:00

Says Henry as he emerges from his room during quiet/nap time for the umpteenth time, "Mother, I (gesturing to himself) personally have been thinking that if I go to bed well, I will get my games back."

Me thinks that naptime today isn't happening :(

The Big THREE!!!

2010-12-31T22:09:00.004-06:00

Then and now

2010-10-31T22:23:00.003-05:00

2008 Clare at the pumpkin patch

2003 Renaissance Festival2010 Abigail Harvest Fun Fest
2010 Costume Party

Toofies!

2010-09-14T21:02:00.002-05:00

"A"

2010-08-22T20:18:00.009-05:00

Our homeschooling adventure has begun! We'll be following the Alphabet Path this year.

Day 1: Apples for breakfast (though this is an everyday occurrence, happily coinciding with A-week!)

Started the school day with the Angelus explaining that this prayer told the story of when the Angel Gabriel met our Blessed Mother and gave her a special mission from God. Then we met the highly anticipated Mrs Applebee. Maybe I shouldn't have puffed up the importance of her arrival so much, Henry was quite upset that she didn't arrive in a car, or that she was only represented in 2-D. (Perhaps a "real" meeting can be arranged before we reach the end of the Alphabet Path! Henry recovered quickly when we learned that Mrs A came from a magical forest--all's well! During Mrs Applebee's introduction, we met her eldest child the Apple Blossom Fairy and her heavenly friend St Ann. We listened to the Apple Blossom Fairy's greeting song on CD. Then we took a break for snack--Almond nut clusters. And Henry took a tour of the Flower Fairies' website.

While H&C played a fairy dressup game there, I set up a Musical "A" game: think musical chairs. I fashioned a capital "A" on the floor with electrical tape, and asked the children to dance around while we listened to the Apple Blossom song. Whenever the music stopped, the first child to "cross their feet, twirl around, and sit down" (in fairy fashion) won the privilege of controlling the CD player for that round. They listened to the song for over 30 minutes--some game play, some dancing. So much fun!

We closed the school day with lunch (nothing creative there, but yummy nonetheless!) and the Angelus at noon.

Dinner will showcase the Avocado with fajitas, ending with the Angelus at 6pm.

St Ann, Angels

Foods

Asparagus

Apples

Apple Pie

Alfredo Sauce

Avocado

Animals

Anteater

Antelope

Aardvark

Plants/Flowers

Amaryllis

Acorn

Apple tree

Physical Activities

arm wrestling

air hockey

Art Projects/Studies

Apple still art

Apple Blossoms from Popcorn, Coffee filters for bouquet

Music

Ave Maria-a capella

Prayer
Angelus

Sts Clare and Philomena

2010-08-11T18:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Name day Clare!

Six months old!

2010-08-07T21:23:00.008-05:00

Happy Six months Abigail!!

and for comparison's sake:

Six-month Babyclare

Six-month Babyhenry

Six-month Babygail

New Video!

2010-08-05T12:58:00.001-05:00

Giggle Girls

Three month old in action!

2010-05-18T12:19:00.000-05:00

Abigail 3 mos :D

For Aunt Laura!

2010-05-14T11:15:00.007-05:00

Babygail 3mos
Babyclare 3mos

Babyhenry 3mos

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T23:05:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful day! Four generations of Charbas gathered today in the beautiful Texas hill country. What a blessing to be a part of such a family.

My best gift today came during Mass when Henry tugged on my hand, looked me square in the eye, and whispered, (a little too loudly, as newly four-year-olds often do) "I am PROUD to call you my mother.) and then proceeded to ask when he could marry me. Sigh. Smile.

What a great day!

Thank you, Lord, for my little blessings!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

2010-04-21T02:14:00.003-05:00

Four Years ago, your arrival changed our lives. Everyday for the better.
My joy! My little Henry. My baby mine.

Spring again!

2010-04-16T21:47:00.001-05:00

Cinnamon Rolls!

2010-04-14T19:23:00.002-05:00

Clare beckons me to the garden this morning: Momma! Come here--Cinnamon rolls!

Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

2010-04-06T21:22:00.000-05:00

He is risen indeed, Alleluia!!

Lovely harvest

2010-04-06T21:18:00.002-05:00

The only survivor from last year's gardening attempt is finally ready for harvest! The heirloom lettuce that I planted from seed, never did produce any leaves last year, but it SURVIVED long enough to reseed itself and HOW! We've had enough lettuce consistently maturing for two weeks worth of salad PTL :D

Love

2010-03-15T10:33:00.001-05:00

New (to you) videos!

2010-03-08T20:29:00.003-06:00

Here are few videos, listed oldest to newest. Enjoy!
Jumping Clare
Tumbleweeds
Some random silliness
Random silliness II
Henry & Clare meet Abigail
Snow in Austin
Abigail is one month old!

Snow ;D

2010-02-23T13:16:00.003-06:00

It's a girl!

2010-02-05T16:05:00.005-06:00

We are so happy to introduce you to our baby girl, Abigail Rose.

She was born just a few minutes after Midnight Thursday. She is a solid 9 pounds (just like her momma was!) and 21 inches long. She truly is her "father's delight," and Karl and Abigail got off to such a beautiful start. What a blessing to have such an affectionate daddy!

Abigail bears a great resemblance to Karl's baby photos (minus a full head of curls!) with Karl-like eyes and nose. Looks like Abigail, Henry, and I share the same hairline hee HEE!

We are so in love!

Aww, Gotta love 'em!

2010-01-19T23:01:00.002-06:00

Baptism Project Update

2009-12-07T22:41:00.003-06:00

Thread and hook have arrived! I think I ordered way too much thread! ha ha. Time is also ticking by at a speed that is making me a bit uncomfortable...will I really be able to complete the entire project?!?!

Here are two photos of the bonnet progress. First shot is a comparison of the mock up and the real deal. Tiny isn't it??

Second shot is the current state of things--first round of roses complete! woo HOOO! That was a good feeling. Next on the agenda is picot picot picot.

Dress Update

2009-11-21T14:40:00.002-06:00

I'm thinking this collar, with similar lace accents on the arm and bottom hems on a simple heirloom-length gown. :D Love it!

My thread and hook have been shipped, now I'm just waiting for their arrival :D

It's that time again!

2009-11-12T22:56:00.005-06:00

Though I wouldn't necessarily call it nesting, I have most certainly caught the creative bug!

You may recall that part of my pre-delivery routine includes crafting a baptismal gown for the new arrival. With only 3 months 'til D-day, it's time to begin!

Baby girl's ensemble will revolve around a pattern I stumbled upon for an Irish-crocheted baby bonnet circa 1900. My search for a crocheted bonnet was inspired by one worn by the daughter of my college roommate for her baptism.

The original pattern is written differently than most to which I am accustomed. Luckily, the blogger who is hosting the pattern began the process of simplifying the language. So between the original and her revisions, I'm liking how my mock up is developing.

The hook and thread that I had on hand were larger than I what the pattern called for, so the practice square looks a bit clunky. However, it was easier to learn the pattern this way.

I have yet to choose gown pattern, so I may use the time I have until my thread and hook arrive to scout out a complementary dress pattern.

All Hallows Eve

2009-11-05T15:45:00.005-06:00

During our two weeks in MN, Henry had a daily dose of the CCC video about St Juan Diego. So when we returned to Texas, our October project became creating a Halloween costume of the saint and the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that appeared on his cloak.

Clare dressed as a lion (minus Daniel) hah!

Girl!

2009-10-05T19:12:00.003-05:00

Thank you all for your prayers for this little girl of ours! Our last ultrasound showed us a beautifully HEALTHY GIRL! No signs of any abdomen abnormality.

God is so good!

We're now over the halfway mark and I'm feeling more myself--upbeat and energetic.

Dress for Shabby Apple Dare to Design contest!

2009-10-05T15:01:00.007-05:00

Here is a guest post by my lil sis, Catherine! She has great aspirations of bringing trendy modest fashions to the mainstream. So cool! When stylish modest options aren't readily available, I know too well how easy it is to either lean toward frumpiness or immodesty.

Adelle Dress design for Shabby Apple dresses!

The dress is made of a light twill that has a large houndstooth print of a creamy olive green and slightly off-white. An off-white ribbon comes across just above the bust. It is a fitted sheath dress that hits at the knee.

The inspiration for this dress is loosely from a Jane Austen story. I see Adelle walking through knee-high grass reading her favorite romantic novel.

AMDG

Henry!

2009-08-31T13:46:00.001-05:00

Click on the slideshow while playing to go directly to the picasa site (the pics are larger.)

No more mullet!

2009-08-31T13:37:00.001-05:00

Click on the slideshow while playing to go directly to the picasa site (the pics are larger.)

For health and peace

2009-08-18T22:50:00.003-05:00

Today we began a novena asking our Blessed Mother to intercede for baby's health and peace for our family in whatever outcome the anatomy ultrasound reveals. The nine days of prayer will end next Wednesday (Aug 26,) the day of the ultrasound.

We would be so grateful if you would again join your prayers with ours for this petition.

Holy Mary, you learned compassion as you witnessed with grief-stricken soul the suffering and death of your divine Son. And your compassion for us your children in our sickness and sufferings has earned for you the loving title of Health of the Sick.

Compassionate Mother, I turn to you now and beg you to pray with me for the welfare of my child. Your intercession is boundless before the throne of our Father in heaven: whatever you ask, He will grant. So speak to Him now with me on behalf of my child, who is your child too. Ask Him in His loving mercy to grant a restoration of health.

And, through the goodness of your intercession and in recognition of blessings received, may both my child and I be drawn closer to you in filial affection and trust and give ourselves in all things to a greater dedication in service to God our Father. From Fathers' Manual 1969

In case you were wondering...

2009-08-12T09:59:00.004-05:00

A Magic Eraser will remove dry-erase marker from your piano keys when elbow grease doesn't cut it.

grrrrrr.

I'll let you know how effective it is on the walls.

I do not think it means what you think it means...

2009-08-11T12:46:00.003-05:00

Last week, Henry and his Nana took a walk and came upon the remains of an old playhouse in the backyard (just the roof, really.)

He stopped and studied the view before saying very solemnly, "The house. fell. on the naked witch."

Nana bit her tongue until they returned to the house and we've been howling all week since. Gotta love him.

PS Any idea where he watched The Wizard of Oz???

Wordless Wednesday: Nighttime Shenanigans

2009-07-29T17:53:00.002-05:00

Prayers!

2009-07-27T14:55:00.002-05:00

Thank you, thank you for all your prayers over the last week.

I had a scary bleeding episode Monday evening. So preparing for the unknown, we called family and friends for prayer and practical support. Immediately your prayers started storming heaven! The grace of those hours was very evident.

The bleeding subsided about 1.5 hours after it so abruptly began, and Baby's heartbeat was strong and steady Tuesday morning. Thank You Lord!

For whatever reason, part of the placenta had detached from the uterine wall, causing the bleeding. Because there is not a particular reason for why that detachment occured and it can happen again, Baby is not entirely out of the woods.

In addition to keeping baby safely inside, please pray that the intestinal blip that the 12 week ultrasound showed is safely inside baby's belly by our next ultrasound at 18 weeks (4 weeks from now.)

So so grateful!

2009-07-16T14:37:00.001-05:00

Here's a peek at our 12 week old gift!

Happy Name Day!

2009-07-14T07:57:00.006-05:00

To celebrate King St Henry II, we made felt crowns a la this tutorial. Then we made a German chocolate cake and had Taters, Kraut and Sausage for dinner!

It was a wonderful way to say "thank you" to St Henry for his example and intercession for our little guy!

Please read about his life here!

PS I used the widely available synthetic felt, not 100% wool as in the tutorial.

Happy Anniversary Karl!

2009-06-18T08:57:00.002-05:00

Thank you, my sweet, for four beautiful years and four beautiful and eternal gifts!

I love you!

Vaseline...

2009-06-17T16:34:00.004-05:00

And how to get it out of Clare's hair!

Henry is next!
Thank you God for corn starch, naptime, and active curious children!

"Mommy" by Henry

2009-05-19T13:57:00.001-05:00

Works for me Wednesday!

2009-04-08T13:02:00.001-05:00

A Great thought:

My Domestic Church: Works for Me Wednesday - hospital hints

Some Great Music:

www.pandora.com

We danced away the morning with our very own "salsa genre" channel with a little variety added in--"iko iko/aicho" !!

Texas Snow

2009-03-25T18:37:00.002-05:00

Our van was on the driveway when the hail began, and has a few dents. Karl managed to get it in the garage without getting hit by the quarter-sized rocks.

We'll see about the roof after the storm passes. At least ours is due to be replaced (in the next few years anyway...) the neighbor just had his replaced yesterday! ouch.
Just when I was getting excited about blooms on the plum tree!

Trusting God's Will

2009-02-21T20:59:00.006-06:00

Karl and I recently learned a hard lesson in trusting in God's will.

Within a month of when we began sharing our happy news anticipating the arrival of a new baby in the Charba house--we found out that we had lost the baby to a first trimester miscarriage.

We don't know why God called Andrew Blaise back to Himself so soon after blessing us with his life, but we're trusting in His great Love and Providence.

I want to chronicle this lesson and share our experience with you and other couples who have lost their baby (but gained a saint!) But will do so in a separate blog. Please join me there for a peek at the Mass and graveside service, as well as thoughts and information about miscarriage and honoring our Littlest Saints.

Vocations

2009-01-12T14:53:00.004-06:00

The younger of my two brothers, Elliot, wrote the following for Vocations Weekend in the Archdiocese of St Paul Minneapolis last weekend. I wanted to share his important message:

Hello, my name is Elliot Huss I am a sophomore at St. John Vianney College Seminary on the campus of University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. I just want to give a brief history of where I am from and what led me to the seminary.

I was born and raised in Coon Rapids; a parishioner of Epiphany for my whole life; I went to Epiphany grade school, Coon Rapids Middle and Coon Rapids High School. I played football and basketball in high school, I took a lot of Advanced Placement Courses, and was Class President my senior year. When it came time to decide what I was going to pursue after high school I was impressed by a Division III school that was recruiting me for football. I wasn't necessarily the ideal size at 5' 5", 135 lbs. for college football so I grasped at any chance I had of playing at the next level, even if it meant going to a Protestant school and ignoring a possible call to the priesthood. However, several things happened my senior year of high school that really made me think twice about my decision to put seminary on hold.

I started to notice that the friends I had known for so long to be good people with strong values and convictions were making poor decisions with drugs, alcohol, sex, and I really didn't know what was causing them to suddenly abandon the ideals they had held for so long. It made raise the question: Who will lead these people to a better life? Who will let them know there is something more than this valley of tears to live for? And the honest answer was that I couldn't look any further than myself:

What was I going to do to lead them to a better life?
How was I going to let them know that there is so much more to live for than this life?

I am a young man, 19, who wants to stand up for Christ and for, you, His Church. I do not know if I am to be a priest, but I know if the Lord wants me, I am ready and willing.

As it turns out I didn't have to give up my dream of college football after all, I was able to work out with the University of St. Thomas football team this past spring. Although I chose not to continue to play for St. Thomas in the fall I was able to build many relationships with the players and coaches that have created a strong bond between the seminary and the team.

I thank God daily for bringing me to the seminary and I also thank him for the good people of Epiphany. I ask that you continue to pray for me and know that I pray for you. Finally, please encourage your son, grandson, brother, or nephew, to take a good look into his own heart and ask himself:

Who will lead these people to a better life? Who will let them know there is something more than this valley of tears to live for?

It's COLD!

2008-12-23T23:07:00.005-06:00

Camera Download time!

2008-12-20T00:38:00.013-06:00

The Rosebush anticipated this Marian Feast of the Expection of our Lady! (Dec 18)

No wonder my dad favors shooting landscapes and wildlife!!

Best Christmas gift Henry got this year? Clare. What a blessing they are to us and to each other!

Videos GALORE!

2008-11-25T11:12:00.003-06:00

Between updating the computer and just being plain busy, I've really been neglectful in the video department!

So without further ado:

Pillow Hopping

Blanket Baby

Clare's first solids

Rolling Baby

Magic!

Henry Sandwich

November morning

White Board Winner!

2008-11-25T11:07:00.002-06:00

Yay! Karl won the $200 first prize in the white board contest.

The contest was held in connection with the launching of the new SWINC website layout--with a whiteboard theme.

Karl was asked to decorate a few whiteboards for the launch party this afternoon--his talents are much sought after!

tRICK or Treat!

2008-11-03T06:34:00.002-06:00

Submissions for an office-wide "creative use of a whiteboard" contest had to be submitted last Friday. Karl decided to promote "Rick Roll Awareness."

Here a few photos from his campaign:

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-23T12:46:00.001-05:00

A Day at the Pumpkin Patch

Terrific Tuesday

2008-09-30T13:59:00.002-05:00

I've had a really wonder-full week--though I'm running on empty today. I need a reminder of all the great things that happened, so today doesn't turn into TERRIBLE Tuesday!

Best Birthday Surprise EV-AR. Thursday I turned 25--my golden birthday. September is full of birthdays in our family, and I was so busy planning and celebrating everyone elses, that I kept forgetting about my own! So when Thursday rolled around, I wasn't expecting much--just a pleasant evening with Karl and the kids. UNTIL 2pm when my mom called for the second time of the day to sing happy birthday (I thought maybe she was having an old-timer's moment) but then my sister knocked on the front door! Unbeknownst to me, mom and Doll had flown down to Texas to surprise and celebrate with me. They came bearing gifts and all the fixings for Red Velvet Cake (recipe card in hand)--My FAVORITE!

Best Cake. Handmade Red Velvet cake--topped with amazing all-butter frosting. Simply
delicious!

Great Movie. Arm in Arm with my mom, sister, and good friend Hallie, we ventured out to the movies. Treat yourself to the thoroughly edifying and uplifting, pro-family movie: FIREPROOF. You'll be so glad you did! I think I will be giving every engaged couple a copy of Janet Smith's "Contraception, Why Not" An NFP booklet, and a DVD of Fireproof--good stuff.

Delicious Brownies! Mom's brownie recipe can't be beat, but since the store didn't carry the Jiffy Chocolate frosting that I usually use, I tried my hand at Laura's Crazy Cake frosting --WOWEE! I didn't know these brownies could get any better.

Ok, I'm feeling better :) I think I can even withstand with insane screaming fit Henry woke displaying :O

Life: It's that important.

2008-09-10T10:27:00.002-05:00

Little Clare

2008-09-09T00:54:00.000-05:00

Beautiful girl

New Video

2008-09-06T01:28:00.003-05:00

Hey y'all, my little sister asked for some new footage of the littles--so you have her to thank for these newest videos!!

Drawing--Henry shows us his drawing skills.
Clare crawls--outdated footage of Clare beginning to crawl (more to come...)
Salsa Babies--we love this song!
Henry: The boy from snowy river

Confession

2008-09-04T20:37:00.003-05:00

"It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man.

It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace."

It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God." He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother." CCC 1424

It's one of the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church, and such a beautiful beautiful gift.

Thanks, Karl, for watching the kiddos today. What a blessing it was to hear these words:

God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the resurrection of his Son
has reconciled the world to himself
and sent the Holy Spirit among us
for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church
may God give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

My Young Doppleganger?

2008-08-23T00:41:00.005-05:00

Thanks to my mother for sending along one of my baby outfits.

Beautiful Day

2008-08-17T22:59:00.006-05:00

All four of us took much needed naps this morning--Karl recovering from late night monitoring duty, and the kiddos and I recovering from a week-end illness. The extra rest successfully delivered everyone to Mass in rare form.

Henry, while still exuberantly himself, confined his energy to our little section of the church, chimed in on cue with "Amen" and "Alleluia," and proudly held his sister on his lap. Karl whispered a word of praise to Henry during Mass, and the sweet darling's eyes welled up with tears*! What a little man he is becoming.

I had to pause as I entered our living room when I saw Clare sitting by herself examining a small wooden alphabet toy. She, too, is growing so! How she makes me smile.

Thank you, Lord, for our little family--we are so blessed!

Here's a photo from an outing last week. Pictured are Clare and her new friend, Philomena. They share August 11th as their feast day! Their patronesses must have arranged their friendship in heaven :)

*Were Henry's tears caused by:
a) Surprise at the realization that he was behaving well at Mass,
b) Excitement and Joy that he would receive a doughnut after Mass for good behavior
c) Both!

Holy Day of Obligation!

2008-08-14T22:36:00.003-05:00

I hope you are better at looking at the calendar and living the liturgy than I have been of late. But in case you are in my same boat, here's your reminder!

Don't forget to attend Mass tomorrow (FRIDAY) in honor of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the oldest feast day celebrated in her honor.

Karl will return from work around 6:30 tomorrow morning, and then we're off to St Elizabeth's for morning mass. I couldn't ask for a better start to the day! I've got the kids and my clothes (even their diapers and shoes!) ready to go--a 6:30 call time is early even for use these days.

A blessed day to you all!

Random Goodies

2008-08-01T23:11:00.003-05:00

Here are a few photos that I wanted to share.

Big Helper #1 --Henry's main kitchen duty is to help mama sort the silverware. Usually he's very, ahem, creative when it comes to proper placement. This day, however, he was spot on.

Beating the Heat #2 #3 & #4 --This was one of the first times Clare sat up unassisted. As you can see in #3, she doesn't always stay that way! We got outside for a few minutes of water fun that day (before Henry ran away to the neighbor's. Grrr!)

Clare and Opa#5 --Harvest was in full swing, but whenever Karl's father had a free minute (and wasn't covered in itchy grain dust, hee hee) he would scoop up Clare, who grinned from ear to ear, while he bounced-tickled-cooed our little dear.

Harvest 2008

2008-07-23T20:14:00.010-05:00

O'pa and the boys were able to get all of the Sorghum out of the fields, just in time for Dolly's arrival (Hurricane Dolly that is, lol.*)

We had such a nice time visiting with all of Karl's family--all 30 of us!

(Karl's parents, their four children and respective spouses, and 21 grandchildren!)

This year's theme was "the 50's" --complete with soda shop, poodle skirts, greasers, bubble gum blowing and hula hoops!
Yours truly won the limbo contest :)

*Joke courtesy of Dolly herself

Win Cloth Diapers!!!

2008-07-22T14:55:00.001-05:00

Win a Bum Genius 3.0 Starter Kit from Nature's Child - Wholesome Goods for Mothers and Babies

This looks really great--we love our BG's and this is an excellent starter kit for even TWO babies! We use 18 for both Henry and Clare!! One size fits all is the way to go!!

I wash the 18 every evening, however, so if you had more diapers you may be able to wash every other day :)

I LOVE Laundry...

2008-07-02T21:22:00.005-05:00

sorting, washing, drying, folding--you name it, I love it.

Lovingly changing dirty clothes into clean, folded clothes was a frequent apprenticeship under my mother as a child. And to this day I enjoy it thoroughly from start to finish.

In fact, I would gladly trade friends to make that my only chore :)

HOWEVER, after a weekend full of sickness, you can imagine how much laundry I got to do! Even yours truly was looking forward to a break.

Don't you worry yourselves, friends. My dear Henry knows me too well for my own good. He knew that I shouldn't get out of the daily laundry habit--

SO he poured onto the floor, the my last cup-ful of detergent, and sent me a-scurrying to sop it up with random dirty clothes (to salvage those precious last drops!!)

Good News!! There is a happy ending to this tale. I had the presence of mind to choose clothes of different colors--now I can do TWO loads ;)

Let's Go Another Round..or Two!

2008-06-29T12:36:00.002-05:00

Please pray for Karl--the newest member of the sick-weed club. Henry had a relapse last night, but seems to be better. Clare is recovering, but not yet 100%.

Pray for me too!! I'd rather that at least one of us remain outside the club :)

Audrey, Be Thankful for...

2008-06-28T16:21:00.007-05:00

...Wet diapers
Your children are not dehydrated.

...extra long and extra frequent naps
Their little bodies are healing themselves, and you can catch up on sleep too!

...Pedialyte
When even nursing upsets your little tummy

...A broken ice machine, had to buy new ice trays
Can't keep down food? Suck on homemade gingerale-cicles!

...Karl's help and thoughtfulness
Thanks for the Dr Peppers and Frosty's, four hands and two brains are always better than 2/1. Especially when both are running short on sleep and patience.

Thanks, Bub, for reminding me that these little trials are my means of sanctification. Sometimes I forget--Suffering can Save Souls!
---

11pm Thursday
A nasty stomach bug has come to visit the house. Henry was the first to notice his unwelcome presence, and the nasty effects of his arrival were manifested to us all. Poor guy couldn't keep water down for most of the day.

5:45pm Friday. Good riddance villainous virus.

6:00pm Friday. "Still here!" he shrieks with mischievous delight.
*Sure wish we'd have known before sending Henry with Karl to the store--Cars, stomach illness, and Henry never mix well :(

7.00am Saturday. Unfortunately the departure of that sneaky bug was celebrated prematurely, and he returned with a vengeance the next morning. This time, he chose our little Clare to be his host. A day of celebration, her half-birthday--Six months old today!!! A day of new *solid foods,* will have to be postponed until a later day--she didn't even want to nurse and hasn't been able to keep anything but Pedialyte in her tummy.

Doing Atkins

2008-06-21T20:53:00.003-05:00

Still doing Atkins 'round these parts, although we've all been eating too much sugar. (in other words I eat too much sugar, and Karl has been seen sneaking a nibble here and there--tee hee)

Karl = 238 (that's a 30 lb loss! woot woot)
Audrey = 110 (8 lb loss)

Karl has added an afternoon walk to the far bus stop in the Texas heat to his daily regimen, and I have been trying to walk with the kids to the park and/or the local grocery store each day.

It's more difficult than it may seem to get that morning excursion in, however. The window for outdoor time is very narrow. We are all up by 7:30, but Clare goes back down for a nap at 9:00. Anytime after 10:00 is just too darn hot. So to get everyone dressed, fed, and out the door by 8:00 can by quite a feat. I try to get water and clothes ready the night before, and make breakfast for everyone when I get up with Karl at 4 to avoid having to cook twice. But stuff happens, schedules get tweaked, weather is unpredictable (we got caught in rain twice last week!) and it doesn't always work out.

It sure feels good to get outside though--we enjoy talking to the neighbors, bugs, bunnies, birds, dogs, and occasional turtles that we encounter on the way!

Videos

2008-06-21T20:49:00.003-05:00

Ugh--there must be a way to upload video in a timely manner without sacrificing all quality, but I have yet to discover it! Send your suggestions my way if you have any :)

There are a few new clips of the family on youtube, hope you can make us out through the fuzziness!

Yikes!

2008-06-19T22:16:00.005-05:00

So sorry I haven't been updating the blog. If my dear Aunt Susan hadn't sent a hint my way, it may have been an even longer hiatus--I didn't even realized how long it had been!!!

We've been traveling a-plenty. I solo-ed a plane trip to Minnesota to visit family and celebrate the college graduation of my brother --Congratulations Isaac!!! Karl and I left from Texas on the same day, but different flights, different airlines! I had to keep both kiddos with me because our return flights were going to be different from Karl's. I really couldn't have asked for better travel companions--2 years and younger that is :) Henry and Clare--let's travel again together soon. Ha ha. I got some really great traveling advice from a mother and flight attendant that kept us sane and happy. Henry only ran away twice (once he ran past an unsuspecting flight attendant and down a jetway!)

More updates to come--thanks for your patience with me :)

Birthday Dress

2008-05-09T22:38:00.003-05:00

Here is a special birthday project for my goddaughter and niece, Patricia. The coral polo shirt is from Target :) It was a bit large, but in a few months I may post some pictures of her modeling it!

I would love to make a set of these jumpers for Clare--in every size--for simplicity, function, and femininity. I think there is enough fabric left for a baby top and bloomers--perhaps the next project!

More Atkins Success!

2008-05-09T20:06:00.002-05:00

Karl: -5 lbs
Audrey: -3 lbs

I can't tell you what contributed to my weight loss this week...I ate more sugar this week than all the previous weeks combined!

Karl, on the other hand, can attribute his weight loss to skipping his bus transfer in the morning and walking to work from that stop instead.

Atkins Week Three

2008-04-29T04:45:00.002-05:00

Karl: -3lbs
Audrey: +/- 0

Still working on getting our exercise levels up--although it's a given that you get a daily dose of toddler chasing, "real" exercise is hard to schedule, or get motivated to do.

Karl reports that he's able to fit into shirts that were before too snug to wear comfortably! Way to go, sweetheart!

Quick Atkins Update

2008-04-25T12:19:00.002-05:00

Karl: -5lbs (metabolic resistance to weight *fat* loss=low)
Audrey: +/- 0 (holdin' steady)

This week included the added quirk of eating away from home--it was an interesting challenge to choose foods that we would normally eat in large, and unhealthy, quantities. We did pretty well!

The kiddos and I are heading to CC for the weekend, so Karl will be on his own for food choices and portions--yet another challenge!

Happy Birthday, Henry!

2008-04-21T19:47:00.007-05:00

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing that Henry is to us! What joy has filled the two years that you have been with us--we love you!!

A Week in Pictures

2008-04-15T19:41:00.001-05:00

Atkins Update: Week One

2008-04-15T19:01:00.003-05:00

Great week overall--our diet has never before been so varied. We tried new things: Red Cabbage Slaw (yummy!,) Turnip Fries (bitter,) Faux-Tatoes (I'll cook the cauliflower longer next time,) and Feta Cheese (really, only Karl tried this and said it wasn't cold enough!) We had a lot of fun experimenting with different egg dishes, meats, and cheeses.

I'm not ecstatic about sweetening with Splenda--I can taste the unpleasant difference a mile away-so I'll just keep my real sugar to a minimum. Honestly, though we haven't had any sodas (pop) and Karl's only drinking maybe one cup o'coffee /day, so the occasion for sugar or Splenda use is minimal. I did make Zucchini muffins using Splenda, but have not tried them myself. Also I whipped up a batch of Italian almond cream--but unless you eat it with berries, it's pretty disappointing (sorry Karl!)

Henry and I had the benefit of eating lots of fruits and nuts, so you won't hear me complain! Not that Karl is complaining, but I think I would were I in his shoes :)

We had a week of meals planned out, but mixed things up from day to day to accommodate leftovers and preferences.

After a week of Atkins here is where we stand en route to the goal:

Karl
Natural Waist +/- 0
Hips -1
Arms +/- 0
Legs +/- 0
Stomach -1
Weight -11 lbs (Dr. Atkins explains that most of the weight loss this first week will be water-weight.)

--

Audrey
Natural Waist -2
Hips +/- 0
Arms +.5
Legs +/- 0
Stomach -2
Weight -4 lbs

What keeps me smiling...

2008-04-09T13:32:00.001-05:00